Boost for Norwegian Salmon Exports

NORWAY - Moves for a free trade agreement between Norway and China are expected to increase not only exports of salmon to China but also knowledge about the product.

Discussions are at present taking place over a possible trade agreement and the popularity of Norwegian salmon in China is a boost to the fishing and aquaculture industries.

Last year Hong Kong and China increased its imports of Norwegian salmon by 30 per cent reaching 21,000 tonnes - most of it fresh.

Now the Norwegian Seafood Export Council plans to further publicize and market its salmon to Chinese consumers through chef competitions, in-store promotions, seafood festivals, market analysis and educational projects.

As consumption grows in China there are also plans to export other species including herring.